The Nigerian government plans to scrap the visa-on-arrival policy, replacing it with landing and exit cards to enhance border security. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the new system will integrate with global security databases, preventing undocumented entries. The reforms will take effect between March and April 2025.
The Nigerian government plans to discontinue its visa-on-arrival policy, replacing it with a more structured system requiring travelers to pre-fill landing and exit cards. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the change during a training session for Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) personnel in Abuja.
The visa-on-arrival policy, introduced in 2020, allowed visitors to obtain short-stay visas at entry points. However, Tunji-Ojo criticized its effectiveness, stating that it does not align with global security standards. Instead, the new system will integrate with Interpol, criminal record databases, and background-checking agencies to enhance border security.
“We cannot allow individuals to enter the country without prior verification. Security demands 100% accuracy,” Tunji-Ojo emphasized. The new approach will digitize landing and exit cards, replacing the current manual process. The government aims to modernize immigration procedures, ensuring better monitoring and accountability.
The minister also stressed the need for comprehensive data-sharing among agencies to prevent cases where foreigners enter Nigeria and become untraceable. These reforms, set to take effect between March and April, aim to enhance national security and align Nigeria’s immigration policies with international best practices.
![Today's Naira Rate [21-02-2025]: Naira Strengthens to N1,530/$ in Parallel Market, Weakens in Official Window](/data/attachments/213/213735-59447ed15c8e64d936598e5ef33acf88.jpg?hash=PERHMQHP25)
